MACo Staff
Executive Director - Michael Sanderson
Manages general day-to-day operations of the Association, Board of Directors and Executive Committee (officers), and legislative advocacy. Member of the Local Government Insurance Trust Board of Directors.
Policy
Legislative Director - Natasha Mehu Esq.
nmehu@mdcounties.org
Leads MACo’s Policy Team in coordinating advocacy efforts in Annapolis. Covers community-based policy issues and services provided by county governments. Contributes to MACo publications, issue research, and policy advocacy. Legislative Affairs Areas: health and human services, housing and community development, public safety and corrections, and business affairs. Liaison to affiliates including Health Officers, Human Service Directors, and Corrections.
Legal & Policy Counsel - Leslie Knapp Jr. Esq.
lknapp@mdcounties.org
Advises and guides the Association on legal, liability, and regulatory matters, affecting both the Association itself and its member counties. Legislative Affairs Areas: environment, governmental liability and courts, parks and recreation, planning and zoning, and public information and ethics. Liaison to affiliates including Attorneys, Environmental Health, Planners, and Recreation and Parks.
Research Director - Robin Clark Eilenberg, Esq.
reilenberg@mdcounties.org
Manages research and information gathering on policy and operational issues relevant to county governments, and serves as a primary conduit for federal policy engagement. Oversees MACo publications and issue research, and analytics supporting policy advocacy.
Policy Associate - Kevin Kinnally
kkinnally@mdcounties.org
Provides primary coverage for public education, elections, intergovernmental issues, and related topics. Works with policy staff to review legislation and advance county positions. Works with MACo affiliate organizations to develop information helpful to MACo communications and advocacy efforts.
Member Services
Member Services Director - Virginia White
vwhite@mdcounties.org
Manages all facets of conferences and events. Manages the overall communications, marketing, outreach, and partnership plans. Assists with scheduling advocacy efforts during the legislative session of the General Assembly. Liaison to the Board of Directors and the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance.
Administration & Finance Director - Leslie Velasco
lvelasco@mdcounties.org
Manages financial reporting, personnel issues, general office administration, telecommunications administrator, and conference exhibits. Serves as the liaison to National Association of Counties’ Financial Services Center.
Administrative Coordinator - Allison Valliant
avalliant@mdcounties.org
Provides general office support. Manages office scheduling for staff and in-house meetings. Maintains membership database and serves as editor of the MACo Directory. Serves as conference registrar for attendees, speakers, and moderators.
Outreach Coordinator - Nicolette Querry
nquerry@mdcounties.org
Manages Association’s website, Conduit Street blog, and This Week on Conduit Street publication. Facilitates the Corporate Partner Program and secures sponsors for conferences and events. Coordinates promotional and communication efforts. Tracks MACo appointments for statewide commissions, boards, and workgroups.